1940-45 US Army Ordnance M2A1 105-mm Howitzer and Carriage - Demilitarized | The National Military History Center | RM Sotheby's

Lot 148

The National Military History Center

1940-45 US Army Ordnance M2A1 105-mm Howitzer and Carriage - Demilitarized

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$35,000 USD | Sold

United States | Auburn, Indiana

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Identification No.
2481
Addendum: All military vehicles and artifacts offered in this sale are sold "As Is" and "For collector purposes only". These military vehicles and artifacts should never be loaded and/or fired with any ammunition. We make no warranty and/or representations as to the suitability or fitness of these items for use. By purchasing military vehicles and artifacts you hereby and irrevocably waive any and all claims against Auctions America by RM, Inc. and agree to indemnify and hold harmless Auctions America by RM, Inc. from any injuries or death associated with these military vehicles and artifacts. Please note, there may be an associated licensing fee based on the location of licensing, and bidder must satisfy himself as to all licensing and import requirements in his home state or country.

Please Note: Information regarding these museum display vehicles was provided by the National Military History Center and has not been independently verified by Auctions America by RM ("AA"). As such, AA does not verify, warrant or guarantee any of this information. Prior inspection and research by the buyer is highly encouraged and recommended.

ATTENTION: Buyers are responsible for securing transportation and moving/loading of lots. Lot may be left on display indefinitely in the museum free of charge with a signed loan agreement form. Lots are sold as is, where is.

Please note this is being sold on "Bill of Sale" only.

Manufacturer: US Army Ordnance

Production Years: 1940-1945 (M2, M2A1)

Caliber: 105-mm (4.134-inches)

Length: 8-feet, 5-1/4-inches (gun tube)

Width: 7-feet

Maximum Elevation: + 65-degrees

Weight: 4,260-pounds (with carriage)

Maximum Range: Approximately 7-miles

Muzzle Velocity: 1,550-feet-per-second

Rate of Fire: 2 to 4-rounds-per-minute

Projectile Weight: 33-pounds (HE-high explosive)

Weight of Complete Round: 42-pounds

Crew: Up to eight

Markings: US Army, Divisional Artillery Unit

Demilitarized

The US 105-mm Howitzer originated in a study by the US Army in 1919, which made recommendations for future equipment as a result of combat experiences during World War I. In regards to artillery, the study recommended a weapon of about 105-mm, capable of 65-degrees of elevation and able to fire a projectile of approximately 35-pounds. A maximum range of 12,000-yards was desired, and the ammunition was to be semi-fixed (projectile and powder charge). Development began in 1920 with the 105-mm Howitzer M1 and Carriage M1 standardized in January 1928. Manufacture was not authorized since an immediate need was not foreseen. In 1936, during the mechanization of the US Army, an order was issued to redesign the M1 Howitzer and Carriage. The improved M2 Howitzer and M2 Carriage entered production in 1940. During the course of WWII, several improvements were incorporated, resulting in the M2A1 Howitzer and M2A1 Carriage and followed, in 1943, by the M2A2 Carriage with a larger gun shield. The 105-mm was used on a variety of self-propelled mounts, the most noteworthy being the M7 “Priest.” Over 8,500 M2 and M2A1 105-mm Howitzers were built.

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